Faced with stringent criticism on the rising prices of essential commodities, the government on Wednesday put on hold the hike in LPG prices in states including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala, where an increase in local levies had led to a rise in fuel rates. The increase in state levies such as entry tax and octroi led to prices of domestic LPG rising in Kerala by Rs 4.50 per cylinder, Rs 3 in Karnataka, Rs 5.50 in Madhya Pradesh and Re 1 per cylinder in Uttar Pradesh. There was a small increase of 2 paise and 8 paise in PDS kerosene rates in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, respectively. On the other hand, a reduction in state levies led to a cut in LPG prices by Rs 9.50 per cylinder in Assam, Rs 1.50 in Bihar and Rs 3 per cylinder in Maharashtra.